the polar express ride

Wanting a different outing with your Grandkids? Try a nightime ride on the TexasStateRailroad!Make memories they will never forget!

The Valentines dinner train ride was an experence. The train ride was a good experence around 3 hours round trip. The train is decorated with valentines decorations and each dinner table is decorated with long stem roses, and chocolate boxes. The couple that completed our four top was enjoyable and it was a nice talking with them. It seemed most of the other train passengers were not first timers like we were, and they make this valentines day train ride an annual event. My husband and I were first timers, but may travel with the railroad again this year as there are many other events throughout the year. The only thing that does need improvment is the catering company that was used for the dinner. The service was not consistent or friendly, and I must say I was extremely disappointed in this area, the poor service took away from the evening. At $90.00 per person I expected a professional staff and good food, however this was not the case. The beverage lady that took care of our car #44 was rude to my husband, she tried to ignore him by taking everyones order but his, then when it was called to her attention she apologized, but later contuined to leave him out of his beverage needs. The other couple at our table was embarrassed as she continued to ignore my husband.

I enjoyed the entire experience. When you arrive, music is playing and decorations are in lights, photo stations were available - all to get everyone in the mood of the Polar Express. There was a tent with table and chairs to eat. You could purchase food from food trucks. A gift shop and inside the train station another photo you could take with the Polar Express in the background. My son loved his golden ticket for the train and the fact that he got to wear his pajamas! He loved the train ride, the staff songs and how they danced in the aisle with kids. The cookie, hot chocolate, and the story. Most of all he was exploding with excitement when Santa got on the train. Santa gave everyone a bell and personally spoke to each child. My son was in heaven and enjoyed the entire trip.The only thing I wasn't impressed with was the stop at the North Pole. But hey it is Texas and hard to transform an outdoors spot into the snow covered North Pole. I drove 2 1/2 hours to go on the ride. It was great, not sure I would go again unless my son wanted to go in the future.

A short ride was was alright, although a bit expensive. Was geered more for young families: pj's, Santa, characters, and the ride, but my teenage daughters enjoyed their experience. They came home with their decorated cookies and their souvenir hot chocolate mug.

I was very disappointed with the ride and even more disappointed with customer service. I had to drive 2 1/2 hours to get to Palestine, waited in line for 30 minutes to pick up tickets. The woman in the booth looked at my tickets and said I could not have them for another hour because my ride was at later than the ride most people in line were waiting for. Ridiculous! What was I going to do with the tickets an hour early?!Then when I returned, I picked up my tickets. I was told that an announcement would be made to board. I noticed that lots of people were already on the train, but thought maybe there was something special about our area. No one asked us what we waiting for, by the time I started asking I was told I had one minute to board. I paid for the upgraded ticket, and there was 1 set of lights in cart as decoration, the other was out. Our entertainers were nice and did fine, but the decorations and the north pole were sad and barely viewable from our car.I will never do this again, and warn people not to do this. There are so many better local events. There is so much I could have done with that money- I feel very foolish.

Let's just get it out of the way that this is PRICEY, especially for a fairly short excursion. We went middle-of-the-road on our tickets and I was happy. Cookies, all you could drink Cocoa (our 5yo was out of control on that-LOL), and PE mugs to take home. Our family does one sort of "big" Christmas splurge a year, and this was it this year. It was worth it based on seeing how my girls reacted! From the moment we arrived, our girls were all into it and the magic of the Polar Express (they are 5 & 6). They wore their matching PJs and I had purchased the books on Amazon for each of them at $11 or so ( a huge cost savings if you want to have the book on board & have Santa sign it as he passes through your car--I took a Sharpie, but he actually had one in hand). Do make sure when you buy your tickets online you make any special seating requests in the comment box (this worked for us as we were attending with some friends and wanted to sit back-to-back with them; they obliged). There are assigned seats. As others posted, you want to sit opposite the side of the boarding area to get the best view of the North Pole. As a parent/adult, keep your expectations low, but it's really all about the kids and mine loved it. It was also their 1st train ride & it was magical. As we drove away our 6yo read the sign "Come back next year!" and she was quick to follow that with "Can we come back next year?!" Not something we will do EVERY year, but once or twice while they still feel the magic... you betcha!

We took our two daughters (2 years, 5 years) and my elderly parents the day after Christmas and were so let down by this trip. It was a 2 1/2 hour car ride from Houston to get there which would have been fine, if the train ride was worth it. But we wouldn't even go back if it was 15 mins away! The tickets are terrible overpriced ($69 for adults and $45 for kids under 12 yrs for the diamond class) for an hour trip. They ask you to get there 1 1/2 hours early, but you have to wait inside the small station or the outside waiting area that only has a few benches. The grounds are large, but since it was raining that night it wasn't an option to wait outside. To board the train, you walk down a path that isn't paved or covered. Very difficult for small children and the elderly. Once on the train (which is dirty and run down) you are served one cookie and one cup of hot chocolate by less then friendly train attendants. They read the Polar Express book over speaker system which is old and difficult to hear. But the biggest disappointment is arriving at the "North Pole". The North Pole is a few small board decorations and trees with lights. Not much more decorations then you average house would have in their front yard. Santa and his three elves board the train. Santa couldn't be less enthusiastic to see the kids and barely stopped to say hi. One hour later we were back at the station disappointed and wishing we would have stayed home and watched the movie again instead! There are many other fun Christmas activities in Texas to go to instead of this one.

Our family made the five hour drive to Palestine, TX, all 12 of us, six adults and six kids, ages nine to one, and we didn't regret it for one minute. The ticketing is done online and, as promised, the tickets were waiting for us when we arrived. We chose the Lone Star level (middle of the three service routes) of service and would do the same if we make the trip again next year. Parking is free and there appears to be adequate parking for the number of vehicles arriving for each train departure. There is a tent at the train station but it is not heated. There were vendors available for various food items from coffee to burgers at "ballpark" prices. I suggest eating before you arrive. There are also several areas to take your own photos and a professional photography area that provided a nice photo and cardboard frame with the Polar Express train as a background for $20. The gift shop is located in the train depot and is heated! Prices here are as expected but not overly exorbitant and the selection was pretty good with the check out procedure quite efficient. The train ride itself was a blast. Cookies are waiting your arrival and are soon followed by some pretty tasty hot chocolate. All are served by a young staff of waiters that were very engaged. They are supervised by an older adult who was equally engaged. They served, they danced, they sang, pretty much keeping everyone involved, young and old. The only disappointment for us was a young ticket puncher who seemed either scared or not interested in the whole experience, lazily punching one hole in each of our grandchildren's golden ticket without a word said to any of them. We later had an older gentlemen come through the car that was excellent.The visit by Santa was a positive experience for the kids. The elves interacted with the kids while Santa personally handed each child a silver bell, frequently interacting with them. The bells, though small, had Polar Express engraved on them. Overall, this was a positive and enjoyable experience that one should not miss. I highly recommend this attraction.

This was our second time to board the Polar express train. It was better this time than last time! Make sure you sit on the right side. Yes, the North Pole is really lacking and to an adult is extremely fake. However, my children think it's the real deal! A great christmas tradition!

My family of 4 + grandma took the 8 pm trip on December 23 and purchased the regular seats because of our odd number (you can only purchase tickets in pairs in the other 2 classes). My boys are nearly 8 and 10 and they really enjoyed themselves. It was a bit cramped and I thought the cooks (dressed in white chef outfits like in the book) could have done a bit more performing, but that is really an adult's perspective, my kids thought it was great. On the trip to the North Pole they pass out cookies and hot chocolate and read Polar Express. The book reading is not particularly great (we brought our copy to read along but you can't hear it well). The conductor also comes by and stamps tickets (just one letter - mine were disappointed it didn't spell out something). Once at the North Pole, Santa boards the train with his elves and passes out silver bells. There is not much time to take photos with Santa or the conductor and neither seemed particularly jolly. Again, that's my adult perspective. My kiddos enjoyed it. On the way back, we sang Christmas carols and it was wonderful! Everyone sang along and it was a really joyful experience. In short, I am really glad we went and would recommend the experience but we probably won't go again (in part because my kids are older). Tips: the right side of the train has the best view of the North Pole. It was definitely more magical after dark then it would have been during the day. You can spend $20 - $50 for photos in front of a screen with a photo of the Polar Express.

If you are a kid at heart you see the fun and magic in everything they have at the Polar Express Train ride! We did coach seats.... They were OK. We had children in our group from 16 to 7. They had a great time. Yes the North Pole could have had snow and the decorations could have been better but it wasn't about that it was about seeing Santa!!!!!!! And getting that special silver bell which if you have seen the movie read the book you know this... The negative comments well maybe the silver bell no longer rings for you, however just like the little boy in the book you can always get the magic back just BELIEVE!!!! I loved everything about the experience and already planning next year trip!!!! So if anyone from Polar Express Train Ride is reading this yes please look into improvements would be nice for some of the big kids and yes they want the awe also but looking through a child's eyes you guys are on the right track! The gift shop needs some help please think about what children would like wooden trains etc... People will pay if there is something they think it is worth it...... Our visit was 12/23/14 a 5pm and we made the trip from Houston with 13 people! WONDERFUL time. Thanks

After driving 3 hours and spending the money for the train ride it was a big disappointment. My kids 8 & 4 left without awe. Yes the train is cool, go in the summer or on a regular day and save $$$.. The "north pole" was weakly decorated (needs more investment, maybe fake snow, more lights, decorations along the way....), Santa had a tag sticking out of his beard and handed out bells that still had the made in China sticker on them. The staff was very nice, but everything else was a waste of money. Overpriced and left my kids wondering if Santa/North Pole is real, they saw the tag, and knew we didn't leave Texas due to snow not being on the ground. I can say that IF you still decide to go, make sure that you visit the Grinch's Layer at the Historical Anderson County jail for $10, it is GREAT!!!! Also I recommend the Holiday Express Inn because they incorporate the Polar Express and have arts/crafts and treats in the lobby for the kids!

I purchased tickets in the lone star class for the polar express train ride last Sunday, 12/14/14 for the 8pm time slot for Friday 12/19/14. I get a call Friday afternoon at 1pm informing me that the train was oversold and that I will not be able to board the train. Very, nice, call me the day of the trip to inform me they made a mistake and oversold the 8pm ride. At this point, plans have already been made...including my parents driving in from out of town. How ridiculous...calling the same day of the event to inform me of their screw up! All my kids know is that they are going on a special trip to see Santa! I was told since I purchased my tickets later than everyone else, I would have to re-schedule my trip...even though it does not say seat assignments are based on the time / date of purchase. The website just says to get there 1 - 1.5 hours early to make sure you are there on-time. After an hour or so of talking to 2 different representatives, we were told they would be able to accommodate us. We made the 2.5 hour drive from Houston to Palestine. We boarded the train and were taken to our seats - we had 4 adults and 2 children in our group. The car we were on had tables with chocolate chips cookies / hot cocoa for everyone. My daughter felt left out and started to cry! This was a HORRIBLE experience...everyone on the train was staring at us! They did bring cocoa and cookies...we had to put the cocoa on the floor! This was happening while an employee was looking for a spot for us to sit. About 20 minutes into the ride, we were told there was a seat for our group...3 cars ahead. My 3 year old, 9 year old and my parents who are in their 70's had to move three cars ahead! We had to walk between cars.We finally got to our seat in standard class...at this point, I didn't really care what "class" we were in...I just wanted my kids and parents to have a place to sit! I will say the girl working on our car could see my daughter was upset and made a special effort to get my daughter involved. One positive part of our experience.Now for the "North Pole"...what a joke! We literally have nicer decorations in our neighborhood! This trip in my opinion is overpriced. We will not be going back to the "North Pole" in Texas.

This excursion was worth every penny to see the excitement and awe on my children's face. I had read the reviews, good and bad, before we went. For those on the fence, let me address some of the negatives from other reviewers.1. "The North Pole is not very good or believable." - You could argue this is true. It is outside in southeast Texas. It is not going to be snowy or icy. There was small house there, light displays and most importantly Santa and his elves. My kids, 9 and 11, never once complained about the North Pole. They were so excited for Santa, the appearance of the North Pole was secondary. We excitedly pointed out different things. The kids were over the moon and an hour later are still talking about the North Pole.2. "The chefs are young and just working for a paycheck." - This could be true anywhere. It just depends on the individual. Personally, those working in our car were awesome. They were personable, energetic and entertaining. After Santa departed our car, the party started - Christmas carols, dancing in the aisles and ringing of bells!3. "The sound system is old and not very loud." - This is true. However, I found when I was following along with my son in his book and giving the story my full attention, I could hear just fine.4. "The cocoa is not very hot." - I found the temperature of the Cocoa to be perfect for children on a bumpy train.Tips - Definitely bring your own copy of "The Polar Express". You can follow along and enjoy all the pictures. Plus, Santa will autograph the book!Look at this experience through your child's eyes. My kids eye's shone with magical amazement.Don't plan on dinner there, unless concession stand food is your cup of tea.In summary, an awesome experience that all families should experience!

My wife took our 2 boys ages 5 and 3 on a trip that should have taken 3 hours. She got lost and it took six instead. Needless to say they arrived late by 2 1/2 hours. When they were told they had basically missed it and there were no other trips scheduled everyone was very disappointed. The whole crew who by the way were already undressed told my family to hang on a minute. They got redressed and although the train didn't move our kids got a very personal experience with Santa and his elves. Cookies, cocoa and smiles from everyone. They were made to feel very important and my sons are still talking about Santa. They also gave us a free rain check pass to use in the future. Thank you for going the extra mile for our little boys.